China
Chinese warship´s Japan visit deepens mutual trust
WATCH VIDEO
Source: CCTV.com | 11-29-2007 09:19
Special Report: Japanese PM's China Visit |
Rear Admiral Xiao Xinnian(R), vice chief of staff of the South China Sea Fleet of the Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) Navy, shakes hands with Eiji Yoshikawa, chief of staff of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF), after arriving in Tokyo on Nov. 28, 2007. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s navy missile destroyer "Shenzhen" arrives in Tokyo Wednesday morning for a 4-day goodwill visit to Japan, Nov. 28, 2007. It's the first time for PLA vessels to visit Japan. (Xinhua Photo)
A Chinese warship has dropped anchor in Tokyo Bay, marking the first time a People's Liberation Army vessel has visited Japan. Wednesday's arrival by the guided missile destroyer "Shenzhen" is considered another sign of improving ties between the two countries.
The "Shenzhen" is one of Chinese Navy's best missile destroyers and is carrying 345 officers on board. The visit follows the Japanese tour by Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in August. Both Chinese and Japanese officers say the visit opens a new chapter in the history of Sino-Japanese friendship.
Chinese navy Commander Xiao Xinnian said, "This visit to Japan is extremely important. This historical event puts both China and Japan at an important stage in the relationship."
Japanese navy Admiral Eiji Yoshikawa said, "The Maritime Self Defense Force and China's People's Liberation Army is not only progressing the relationship, but we promise that we would develop trust between the countries and move further on with friendship."
During its four-day stay, the Shenzhen will be open to the public for tours. It will also dock at the Japanese naval headquarters in Yokosuka, before returning home to the southern Chinese port in Zhanjiang.
